On July 24, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of Alaska dismissed the Northern Alaska Environmental Center and its co-plaintiffs’ claims as to approximately 1.38 million acres of Dalton Highway corridor lands already tentatively approved for conveyance to the State.
The court held that Alaska’s sovereign immunity bars a private suit seeking to divest the State of lands in which its title has vested and concluded that the plaintiffs are not likely to succeed on their central claim that these lands cannot be conveyed without further action by Congress.
State Reaction
“Alaska has fought hard to secure access to the lands that were promised to us at Statehood,” said Governor of Alaska Mike Dunleavy. “I am glad to see this land finally returning to Alaska’s control, and I am thankful for the tireless efforts of Alaskans who made it possible.”
The State of Alaska has worked tirelessly over the years to secure its rightful claim to these lands. The court’s order underscores what is at stake in that effort, noting the Supreme Court’s observation that this land grant exists to propel private industry and create a tax base for the State.
Original reporting: Must Read Alaska (Anchorage) — read the source article.
